A/N: Sorry for not updating for a very long time! I started high school this school year, I had a lot of homework and I just finished my classes science fair, not to mention that I'm going to start a Geo Film assignment that is worth 15% of my overall mark. But that doesn't give me an excuse to neglect this story, so I am deeply sorry for not updating for 2 months and I promise to make time during the Winter Break to update at least 2-3 times. Anyways, on with the story!

When night fell upon Kyoto, Hijikata and Kondou parted their separate ways with their groups and gradually faded into the night, heading towards their destinations. Miyuki, Chizuru and Sannan stayed at headquarters in case anyone thought of attacking Shinsengumi headquarters while most of the troops were gone. Minutes pasted as the three of waited for news from Yamazaki or for Hijikata's group and Kondou's groups to return.

Finally, Yamazaki suddenly appeared beside Mizuki and Chizuru, causing Mizuki to smak him and nearly behead him with her right katana, but it stopped inches away from his head when she realized that it was Yamazaki and not an intruder.

"Sorry Yamazaki nii-san!", Mizuki exclaimed, sheathing her katana before helping Yamazaki, who was sweating profoundly, up.

"I have news.", said Yamazaki once he had composed himself, the right side of his face starting to bruise.

"Go on."

Sannan emerged from the shadows of the building, he had come to investigate the ruckus and had overheard Yamazaki talking to them.

"They are at Ikeda Inn."

"Okay. Then I will go help Kondou and you should take Chizuru with you. Don't you agree Sannan?, Mizuki suggested.

"I agree. Then I will watch over headquarters.", Sannan nodded his head.

"Okay, then I will see you later!"

Mizuki put on her shinsengumi haori spread her wings and took off into the night sky, heading towards the inn. Calling out Lyra and Starfire she entered the inn, sending Lyra to help others as she carved her way to Kondou.

"How is the situation Kondou-san?"

"It's fine down here Mizuki, but Okita and Heisuke went upstairs, they haven't come down since."

"Okay. I will go check on them."

Mizuki became very worried for the captains, as she could sense three oni, excluding Chizuru, in or near the inn. Mizuki met up with Chizuru at the stairs, and both females fought their way up the stairs to where Okita and Heisuke were fight two of the oni. Mizuki and Starfire went to help Okita as Chizuru and Moonlight went to help Heisuke.

Barging into the room, Mizuki saw Okita facing off an unfamiliar male oni, but Okita was gravely injured. The blond oni had delivered a well placed kick to Okita's chest, knocking him out and was about to finish him off when Mizuki quickly drew her katanas and deflected the blow.

"Who are you and what business do you have here?", snarled Mizuki, Starfire bared her teeth ready to strike at any moment.

"My name is Kazama Chikage. So there are two female oni here, eh? How interesting.", he smirked at Mizuki before retreating to the window and jumping out the window.

"I will be back for both of you."

With that Kazama and the other two oni disappeared. Taking one last glance at her surroundings, Mizuki placed her hands on Okita's chest before closing her eyes and checking for any injuries. There was nothing too serious so Mizuki patched up Okita's wounds and had Chizuru check up on Heisuke and patched him up too. Once the others arrived, they were surprised to find that they had already been checked and cared for, despite their unconscious state, so they gentility placed them on wooden boards before carrying them out of the building and towards Shisengumi headquarters. On the way back to headquarters however, Mizuki noticed that the citizens, were more afraid of them than before. Thinking nothing about it, Mizuki went to help Yamazaki with the injured and didn't rest until lunch then went to check on the two captains.

After the Ikeda inn incidence, Chizuru and Mizuki's search for Kodo became increasingly difficult as the citizens were extremely wary of the Shinsengumi. Chizuru was becoming more and more depressed from not being able to find Kodo.

One day, Shinpachi and Sano insisted that Mizuki and Chizuru go out on patrol with them, so they reluctantly agreed and split up to ask the citizens about Kodo. At the end of patrol, they met up to see if there was any information, but the results were the usual - nothing. Mizuki assured Chizuru that they would be able to find Kodo soon as they started heading back to headquarters.

Suddenly, Sano and Shipachi told their divisions to go on without them leaving the four of them behind. Confused, Mizuki and Chizuru followed Sano and Shinpachi in the other direction. When they arrived at their destination, Mizuki and Chizuru were surprised to see that they were at a parade.

"Wouldn't Hijikata be angry at us for staying out past patrols?", inquired Chizuru.

"No, he won't, because he asked us to bring both of you here.", Sano and Shinpachi said simultaneously.

"Thanks, we needed this!", exclaimed Mizuki before dragging Chizuru with her towards the parade to get a closer look.

"Hey! Wait for us!", Shinpachi and Sano exclaimed racing after them.

Laughing and smiling, they ran towards the bright lights of the lanterns. Little did they know this happiness won't last for long...

A/N: I have finished this chapter! Although it isn't very long don't worry, I will update on Friday since I won't have any school! Please review and tell me what you think about this chapter, even though it's a filler for the next chapter. Sorry if I made any mistakes as it is my bedtime now and I'm tired from working on it since school ended (also the lack of sleep this week) and my mom is telling me to hurry up. The first chapter of my other story The Savior is currently being edited by my editor, my sister A. I hope you enjoyed it! See you on Friday!